Can I wear shorts in Egypt? You can, but you might not want to. If you're in a beach resort town like Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada on the Red Sea, it's acceptable to wear shorts. It's rare to see people wearing shorts outside resort towns.
Pants, t-shirts, and long-sleeve shirts are acceptable as clothes to wear in Egypt. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts to fit in with local customs. Men do not need a head-covering scarf to enter mosques.
Is there a dress code for female tourists in Egypt?
The dress code in Egypt for women is considered conservative by western standards and it is respectful to obey this code. For men it is not really an issue -- normal trousers and shirt or T-shirt are fine -- but in Cairo it would not be acceptable to wear short shorts or a tank tops/sleeveless tops.
Can I wear Shorts in Egypt? Advice on what men and women should pack and wear in Cairo and more!
Can I wear shorts to the pyramids?
Tourists are not required to follow any particular dress code to visit the pyramids in Egypt. Although many online sources say that female travellers should not wear short pants, many female tourists do, and nobody bats an eyelid. Both men and women are free to wear shorts to visit the pyramids.
There is no dress code per se in Egypt. Egyptian women wear the same things we do including fitted clothing like skinny jeans and leggings. They typically wear loose, long sleeved tops with high necklines (no cleavage showing). They don't wear tank tops, anything with their stomach showing or mini skirts.
You can, but you might not want to. If you're in a beach resort town like Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada on the Red Sea, it's acceptable to wear shorts. It's rare to see people wearing shorts outside resort towns.
A shirt/t-shirt with a pair of loose pants would be ideal. Capri pants, maxi dresses, or even shorts would work too, as long as the shorts are cut long (knee length). Dresses or skirts are fine… unless you are planning on riding a horse or camel!
For shoes, women often wear sandals or tennis shoes. Flip flops are worn in the home only (they are considered like a house slipper). Sometimes women will be seen out and about in high heels, but the uneven sidewalks and walkways make getting around in heels difficult.
It is considered impolite to point the toe, heel or any part of the foot toward another person. Showing the sole of one's shoe is also impolite. Modest dress and presentation is highly valued in Egyptian culture. Greetings often occur before any form of social interaction.
In the desert, temperatures are high in the day and low in the evenings, and you'll be coming across a lot of dust and sand. This is why we recommend not wearing white if you can avoid it, as the dust will gather on your clothes.
In short, no, you don't need to cover your hair as a female traveler in Egypt. As a tourist you aren't expected to wear a hijab or any other hair or facial covering in Egypt.
You will find lots of Egyptians (middle class and upper middle class wearing short sleeved T-shirts). Of course you "can" wear sandals, open toe shoes etc... but I would recommend otherwise due to dust and that you will be visiting 'sandy' locations (Pyramids, temples etc...)
If you leave the hotel area and walk in places like Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, there are no restrictions on the usual clothing. We recommend women to wear something with their shoulders covered. Because of the strong sun and also out of respect for the country in which you are staying.
Jeans, even white jeans, can be hot. (Update: Best to not take jeans unless you're wearing them in the evening, they are just too heavy/hot. Stick with light, cotton pants, dresses or shorts.)
Men can wear typical Western wear (pants or shorts). That said, Egyptians prefer “smart dress” (e.g., khakis and polo-type shirts). Women should not wear shorts. I'd suggest loose-fitting linen pants (as climbing pyramids etc is not conducive to skirts).
Egypt is a Middle Eastern country where both the Muslim majority and the Christian minority are fairly conservative. When visiting mosques, churches or synagogues, casual, comfortable clothing covering knees and elbows is best, in order to respect the local culture.
Dress conservatively. Knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable for women, and men should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in Egyptian culture.
As you might expect, toilet paper is rarely provided except occasionally when a toilet attendant may give it to you for a small cost. Soap isn't very common either, and so carrying both toilet paper and a small bottle of hand sanitiser is a good practice to get into.
Wear cotton clothes when traveling in Egypt during summer - because of the heat you will sweat a lot and cotton fabric absorbs this sweat and helps the body to cool down.
Actually, it can get so hot that you'll probably be glad to cover up in the blistering heat. Men are OK in shorts around the hotels and in town - although some hotels, such as the Winter Palace, don't allow this in the evenings. Most men wear long casual trousers at night when going out to eat.
Yes you should dress modestly in small villages like Luxur and Abu Simbel, but you will often see Egyptian young ladies in Cairo wearing tank tops and tight low cut jeans, no shorts though. This is also the case in all other Middle eastern countries, except for Iran and Saudi Arabia.
IMHO yes crocs would be okay anywhere in Egypt, they are pretty ugly (c'mon you have to admit it) I have a pair too so I know how comfy they are. lol! I rode a camel with slip on sandals on, so you could def do it in crocs. They are very popular in Oz but I actually bought mine in Jerusalem and wore them in Egypt!
Infectious Disease Risks. In addition to being up to date on routine vaccines, travelers to Egypt should obtain hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. Detailed Egypt-specific travel advice can be found on the Egypt destination page.
